10 Best luggage hacks before you pack your next trip
1. Packing your device charger
Keep all your electrical plugs and adaptors together. Also pack a power board if travelling with more than one charging item. This will save on the number of power adaptors you need carry.
If you are travelling on a cruise ship always check their policies on power boards as many will not allow you to board with one. Make sure you head straight to the Pursers Desk or ask your room steward for a double adaptor.
If you are travelling on a cruise ship always check their policies on power boards as many will not allow you to board with one. Make sure you head straight to the Pursers Desk or ask your room steward for a double adaptor.
2. Reduce your luggage weight using a packing countdown system
If you need help streamlining your packing, use the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rule for your next week escape.
The idea is to limit yourself to no more than 5 sets of socks & underwear, 4 shirts or tops, 3 bottoms including shorts, only 2 pairs of shoes and 1 hat. This will be a challenge for most and it can be modified to suit the individual’s needs. You can add in your swimmers, exercise gear or a suit jacket or dress on top of the packing countdown.
The idea is to limit yourself to no more than 5 sets of socks & underwear, 4 shirts or tops, 3 bottoms including shorts, only 2 pairs of shoes and 1 hat. This will be a challenge for most and it can be modified to suit the individual’s needs. You can add in your swimmers, exercise gear or a suit jacket or dress on top of the packing countdown.
3. Toiletries bag
Frequent traveller, Matt Brown from Matt Brown Mentoring, swears by a separate toiletries bag that is always ready to go and holds amenities separate from what he uses at home.
Next time you're shopping, grab a spare set of essentials with a second toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and shaving kit that's ready to be thrown in your luggage at any time.
Next time you're shopping, grab a spare set of essentials with a second toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and shaving kit that's ready to be thrown in your luggage at any time.
4. Don't lose your luggage at the carousel
Don’t be caught in the airport terminal waiting at the carousel looking for your black, blue or red luggage in a sea of suitcases. If you are buying new, pick an uncommon colour or you can spruce up your current suitcase with ribbons, stickers or other decorations.
Also ensure you have luggage tags and have your name clearly showing on the side of your case.
Also ensure you have luggage tags and have your name clearly showing on the side of your case.
5. Lose the weight
Invest in some luggage scales and save yourself on unnecessary overweight luggage fees at checkin.
It is very easy to over pack and underestimate the weight of your bags.
It will also save you the embarrassment of your undies sprawled across the terminal floor as you attempt to unpack quickly and put on 2 pairs of jeans and 3 jumpers.
It is very easy to over pack and underestimate the weight of your bags.
It will also save you the embarrassment of your undies sprawled across the terminal floor as you attempt to unpack quickly and put on 2 pairs of jeans and 3 jumpers.
6. Hand luggage essentials
It is always when you don’t plan that you get stuck, carry some essentials in your carry-on hand luggage. Start with a simple change of clothes, any medicines you may need before, during or straight after your travels, a toothbrush, deodorant and make sure all your valuables are in your hand luggage.
7. Document copies
Instead of carrying your heavy travel book/s, download them or photocopy only the important pages you will need. It is also a great idea to carry photocopies of your passports, visa’s and any other important documents you may need. Put them in a safe spot in your luggage and separate to the originals.
8. Roll and fold
By using a little of every packing hack, you can maximise what you will be able to pack in your suitcase.
Roll softer garments like underwear, shirts, socks and jeans as they won’t wrinkle when rolled. Fold stiffer items, like sports jackets, dressy pants, cotton shirts. Always think about the extra weight that comes with the extra items packed.
Roll softer garments like underwear, shirts, socks and jeans as they won’t wrinkle when rolled. Fold stiffer items, like sports jackets, dressy pants, cotton shirts. Always think about the extra weight that comes with the extra items packed.
9. Packing into the small spaces
Think about where there are empty spaces in your suitcase, those 2 pairs of shoes or your bra cup could be a great spot for a few pairs of rolled socks or underwear. Use every possible spot to place your smaller items and by doing this also reduces movement of items when in transit.
10. First on top
This could be the easiest of the hacks. Depending on where you are going and what time you’ll arrive, it might be worth placing the clothes you’ll need first on the top in your case to stop you having to throw everything on the floor as you find your pajamas.